Wednesday, June 7, 2006

The Kentucky Equality Federation expressed outrage and regret today to its members and supporters for the response they received from U.S. Representative Geoff Davis [part of Kentucky's Congressional delegation for his response to their opposition to the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment.

In an email response to constituents, U.S. Representative Davis stated: "I am committed to protecting traditional marriage. I proudly supported the Same-Sex Marriage Amendment proposal in Kentucky in 2004 and was pleased to see it pass with 74% of the vote. For too long the courts have gone unchecked when they exceeded their constitutional boundaries. Our Constitution established a government of the people, for the people. It is a shame that we need to resort to amending our Constitution to define marriage. However, a judiciary run amok must be reined-in."

"One must wonder what U.S. Representative Davis thinks the judiciary is here for," stated Jordan Palmer, federation president. "It is the principal function of the judiciary to interpret our laws and constitution, and they are doing so. Our members and supporters haven't been so outraged since Governor Fletcher refused our request to veto funding to the University of the Cumberlands." The Kentucky Equality Federation believes the anti-gay marriage movement comes from the religious belief that homosexuality is a sin, immoral, harms children, and spreads disease.

The Federal Marriage Amendment is an attack on the sovereignty of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which recognizes gay marriages, as well as the states of New Jersey, Vermont, California, and Connecticut, that have passed civil unions or similar partnerships.

The Kentucky Equality Federation is committed to organizing the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and fair-minded vote throughout the commonwealth. The Association's Board of Directors ratified a statement condemning the Republican attempt to appeal to right-wing voters ahead of November's congressional ballot, and for using the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community as a political punching bag.

Same-sex couples cannot fully participate in society if they are denied the rights and responsibilities offered to heterosexual couples.

Federation Press Office

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